Welcome To Our BlogHere we share our thoughts, ideas, and remodeling tips to help you with your next Kitchen, Bathroom, or Basement project

If you've ever received an estimate to remodel one of the rooms in your home you know that you start with a certain budget in mind. Often times when customers provide a list of 'must haves" and then give us their budget, it just isn't feasible. When this happens we will usually give the customer an estimate with all of their 'must-haves' on it that is over budget (sometimes by a lot sometimes not by much). We do this not because we want to go over their budget but to show them that it isn't a realistic budget for what they are asking for. When this happens if often times scares customers away...they either give up on their project all together thinking they cannot afford it or hire a company that promises them they can give them what they want within their budget that either takes their money and runs or does poor work leaving the customers leery of ever trying another remodel project.

What you should do when you receive your initial estimate is try working with your contractor to get it to a price you are comfortable with by removing items that aren't as important. This sometimes isn't as easy to figure out as you would think. Below is an excerpt from our Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel Survival Guide, it has an assignment that we recommend all potential customers do to help them narrow down what's really important to them. Often times customers find that they can still get a great kitchen/bathroom/basement without getting everything they initially thought they needed. Something to keep in mind is you can always add the items from your 'Desire' list at a later date.

Below is the excerpt from our Survival Guide which you can also use for a basement remodel.

To help plan your budget, you need to develop a list of “Needs, Wants, and Desires”. This list helps you prioritize the styles and functional elements you want to see in your new kitchen or bathroom and ultimately stay within your budget. To create this list, we recommend the following steps:-Make a list of everything you don’t like about your current kitchen/bath. Once you think you have a pretty good list of “dislikes” (you can always add more later) take a few minutes to number this list with one being the most important change you need to make.-Go through all of the design ideas you have gathered and make a second, separate list of every design and functional element you want to see in your new kitchen/bath. Be sure to leave room for new ideas that may come up as you’re shopping. Draw three columns to the right of your list labeled “Need”, “Want”, and “Desire”.-With your list of “dislikes” close by, begin going through your list of new features. For each one, if it clearly addresses one of the things you dislike about your current kitchen/bath, put a check in the “Need” column. If it does not, put a check in the “Want” column for something that adds value, or check in the “Desire” column if it is simply an “oh wow” item, like decorative moulding or chocolate glaze. This is one of the most important steps, and the challenge here is to remain honest with yourself.-Prioritize all of the items in each of “Needs”, “Wants”, and “Desires” columns, beginning with number one as the most important. Compare the item to what it “fixes” from your first list to help determine how important it might be. You might need to repeat this step a couple of times to make sure you are happy with the order. -Rewrite the entire list, in the order you have just selected. This last step may seem trivial, but it gives you a final opportunity to make changes and adds a little peace of mind that you were thorough. Once you’ve made your list, you’re ready to meet with the contractor who provided the estimate and adjust items as needed to fit within your budget.

To the left are two great kitchen remodels..the one farthest to the left is the more expensive of the two..this may be what a customer is initially hoping to get..however the second one is just as nice and what's even nicer is the cost. By removing some of the more expensive items (i.e. the farm sink, the chandelier, the professional grade stove) you can save a lot of money.

Whether you choose to work with our company or not we highly recommend following these steps on any remodel project.. it will help to save a lot of time, stress, and money!

3. Artesso Single Handle Articulating Arm Kitchen Faucet by Brizo. Approximately $720Features: ADA compliant, Diamond Seal Technology ( an internal contact surface made up of tiny diamonds that makes the valve leak-free and durable and keeps water free of contact with potential metal contaminates), Magna Dock Technology ( powerful magnet mounted in spray head that helps to center and pull the wand firmly into place) , Euromotion Technology ( long-lasting leak free performance with an ergomatic Euro-Motion valve), TouchClean (Soft rubber nubbins allow you to easily wipe away calcium, lime, and build up with the touch of a finger), and No Lead Compliant( Compliant with State and Federal drink water legislation).

Features a black granite top, beadboard paneling on the back, and brushed nickel hardware.Provides additional seating and storage without the permanency of an island. Side one features 2 open shelves with 2 drawers on top and side two is a breakfast bar with room for bar stools.

5. the Sektion Collection by IKEA . Approximately $2,200 for a 10x10 Kitchen

The all new kitchen system offers more storage and configuration options, deeper top drawers, 4 door styles, and organizers like the drawer in a drawer. Comes with options to suit any style and budget, with a wide range of fronts from sleekly modern to warm traditional and materials ranging from solid oak to high gloss foil. And they offer a 25 year warranty!

Comes in Scarlet, Tangerine, Lemon, Forest, Cobalt, Violet, Metallic. These punchy colors are sure to brighten up any room. Use it to draw out the accent tones of throw pillows, artwork, your favorite armchair, etc. Each kit includes a track, hanger, and bottom guide

10. Temp2O Water Faucets by Delta. Approximately $140.

Features Temp2O Technology- with a digital temperature display and background color indicator that turns blue when cold, magenta when warm, and red when hot, making it clear when the water temperature is safe for you and your family.

Offers customizable showering or vertical spa experience with the option to switch between 2 spray functions (traditional or pulsing massage). With it's easy-to-operate lever you can toggle between 2 functions to direct the water exactly where it's wanted. The sprays can be tilted quickly and easily. Provides 67% greater angular adjustment.

Made of enameled resilient steel, it has the charming vintage look of a cast iron sink without the laborious install and 65% less weight. It's durable and chip resistant. It's also heat, stain, and scratch resistant. 100% non-toxic.

Dispenses fresh filtered water ( advanced water filtration system). Comes with dishwasher safe Keurig K-Cup Brewer, hot water dispenser, precise fill setting, full width electronic temperature controlled drawer with colored LED lights, and Twin Chill evaporators. Water is purified through the only filter tested and verified to remove 98% of five trace pharmaceuticals from water and ice.

22. Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System. Approximately $400 for unit and $23-$80 for filters.

24. Wellborn Pullout Table from the Estate Collection. Approximately $1,380.

Hidden behind a drawer front in a pantry style cabinet is a small slide out table. It provides extra space for meals and meal preparation. Great for small kitchens! Finished to match cabinetry.

25. The Frigidaire Professional Series.

With smudge-proof stainless steel and professional grade appliances. When purchased all together the cost for the range, dishwasher,and microwave are under $5,000, add another $3,200 and you can get the refrigerator too.

26. Modular 3000 Freezer by U-Line. Approximately $3,470

This built-in frost-free freezer seamlessly integrates with your base cabinets. Sits flush and comes with a stainless or panel-ready door. It's hinges can be concealed and it's height adjusted. Equipped with LED theater lighting that turns off automatically when the door closes. 3 Full extension, durable, vinyl coated freezer baskets are removable for easy cleaning. Front ventilation engineered to circumvent the need for additional airflow.

27. Wilsonart Quartz. Approximately $65-$85 per sq. ft.

Man-made quartz that's durable and requires zero upkeep. Wilsonart's new line offers dozens of colors and patterns (including Lyra, shown). An affordable alternative to granite. Virtually eliminates visible seams. Can be carved like wood so that edges can be sculpted or layered .

Caesarstone's concrete-inspired collection provides the industrial look of concrete with the low maintenance of quartz. There are 3 colors to choose from, including Fresh Concrete (pictured), Raw Concrete, and Sleek Concrete. It is scratch, stain, and crack resistant. Resistant to most household chemicals including acids and solvents. Mold and Mildew Resistant. Non-absorbent and non-porous. Has flexural strength (bend strength), color consistency, immunity to freeze and thaw, and somewhat heat and burn resistant.

29. Cattura downdraft by BEST Range Hoods. Approximately $1,530. Coming August 2015.Moves smoke & steam at the rate of 600 cu ft per minute. Vents are strategically placed along the top and sides to handle serious cooking ventilation requirements . The integral self-closing cap completely hides the lowered downdraft for an unobstructed view of the kitchen. LED lights illuminate the cooktop. 35% quieter than other downdraft systems. Heat Sentry detects excessive temperature and adjusts speed to high automatically to prevent the damaging effects from heat and increase the life of the product. Convenient 10-minute time-delay shutoff feature and filter maintenance reminder light for a fresh kitchen. Works with optional Automatic Make-Up Air Dampers.

Features a 3" tall by at least 18" wide storage solution. Push-latch closure allows for a completely hidden drawer with no knob to giveaway its secret. Great place to store flat kitchen accessories or even jewelry.

These wood-look vinyl planks are quickly and easily installed. Should you have a pipe that springs a leak (or worse) they can be pulled up, dried out, and reinstalled. Because of it's durability, it can even be installed in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements with no worries. Has the elegant look of hardwood without the worry of moisture, buckling, and mildew.

32. Gridscape Series by Coastal Shower Doors. Approximately $800.

Gridscape Series V1 or V2. Both provide 3 glass options: clear, satin, and smoke grey. The 36 x 72 multi-functional door can be ordered as a stand-alone panel, room divider, or bypass shower door. Custom configuration is also available. Has a 10 year guarantee. Made in the USA. Comes with adjustable rollers.

33. Hold by Sabi. Approximately $150

This circular grab bar made of powder coated aluminum delivers strong, secure, reassuring grip. Can be held at multiple angles and heights. Comes in Dark Blue, Gray, and (punchy) Yellow. Pro installation suggested.

Say goodbye to the freezing cold toilet seats and glaring bathroom lights during those midnight trips to the bathroom. The LumaWarm toilet seat is heated and comes with a blue LED nightlight. It's energy efficient and has 3 adjustable temperature settings. Comes with a sturdy and sittable lid that's also gentle-closing

Winners of the Kitchen and Bath Show 2015

Best of Show: LG Hausys TechTop Wireless Charging Surface

Embeds wireless charging technology into Hi MACs solid surface or Viatera quartz allowing you to charge your phone by placing it on top of the countertop surface. No more tangling cables or outlet hunting!

Inspired by the best Men's tailors in London, Manahattan, and Paris this collections color palette consists of grays, blacks, and whites. Consists of 8 patterns: Link, Houndstooth, Wingtip, Oxford, Argyle, Tuxedo, Chesterfield, and Buckle. Can be used on all interior surfaces and exterior walls and pool lines.

Features sleek lines and industrial details. Inspired by luxury ocean liners of the 20s and 30s. Features a long, graceful arch, and complemented by lever or dial shaped handles reminiscent of ship cleats. Thumb depressions on the handles and knurling banded escutcheons add a hint of glamour

Best of Kitchen Gold: Brizo Articulating Faucet

(Listed above # 3 (on our list which is in no particular order). A clever twist on the classic pull-down architecture, the spray wand can be easily docked and undocked for maximum function and efficiency while maintaining a fluid and streamlined form. Will be incorportated in two distinct collections by Brizo: Artesso (TM) and Solna (R).

Best of Kitchen Silver: Brondell's Integrated Faucet

Delivers pure filtered water, in addition to the hot and cold tap water, directly from your main kitchen faucet. Easily installed in the existing faucet space with no need to drill your countertop or install a separate pure water faucet. Constructed from the most durable materials, such as 304 stainless steel and comes in 4 styles and 2 finishes.

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Located in Fort Washington, MD. We service Northern Virginia, PG County, Montgomery County, and Southern Maryland, including Charles County, St.Mary's County, and Calvert County.

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"I can't say enough about my experience with M.A.K. Construction Services, especially after dealing with more than enough bad experiences with other contractors..... I have recommended M.A.K. to several of my friends and I would not hesitate to contract them for any future project."